US20100083535A1 - Article Of Footwear Incorporating An Impact Absorber And Having An Upper Decoupled From Its Sole In A Midfoot Region - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.

Description

BACKGROUND
• Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that comfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces, the sole structure may provide traction, control foot motions (e.g., by resisting pronation), and impart stability, for example. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety of athletic activities.
• The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as an sockliner, a midsole, and an outsole. The sockliner is a thin, compressible member located within the upper and adjacent to a plantar (i.e., lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort. The midsole is conventionally secured to a lower surface of the upper and forms a middle layer of the sole structure that is primarily responsible for attenuating ground reaction forces. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of the footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction.
• The conventional midsole is primarily formed from a resilient, polymer foam material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate, that extends throughout the length of the footwear. The properties of the polymer foam material in the midsole are primarily dependent upon factors that include the dimensional configuration of the midsole and the specific characteristics of the material selected for the polymer foam, including the density of the polymer foam material. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness and degree of ground reaction force attenuation may be altered to meet the specific demands of the wearer or of the activity for which the footwear is intended to be used.
• In addition to polymer foam materials, conventional midsoles may include, for example, one or more fluid-filled chambers. In general, the fluid-filled chambers are formed from an elastomeric polymer material that is sealed and pressurized. The chambers are then encapsulated in the polymer foam of the midsole such that the combination of the chamber and the encapsulating polymer foam functions as the midsole of the sole structure. In some configurations, textile or foam tensile members may be located within the chamber or reinforcing structures may be bonded to an exterior or interior of the chamber to impart shape to the chamber.
• Articles of athletic footwear are designed with a particular purpose in mind. Some articles of athletic footwear are designed to withstand jarring impact. Others are designed to withstand lateral impact. Some are designed to enhance stability. Others are designed to provide enhanced cushioning. The purpose for which a shoe will be used informs the design choices made by the designers.
• Turning toFIGS. 3 and 4, prior art articles of footwear are shown.FIG. 3 shows an article of footwear100 that is typical of a running shoe. When a runner wants to make a turn, he or she will plant a foot, which often creates a lateral force on the shoe. The midsole of the shoe will absorb some of the impact, but after some impact has been absorbed, the lateral force of the foot within the shoe causes the shoe to tip, as can be seen inFIG. 3. In addition, the lateral force absorption is noticeably lacking when theshoe300 is examined on a slope, such as is shown inFIG. 4. In some cases, particularly in trail running, the terrain is not flat, instead including many irregular surface patterns. When the runner plants a foot on such irregular terrain, the midsole can only deform slightly and does not absorb sufficient lateral forces. This creates strain on the runner's foot and ankle.
SUMMARY
• In one aspect of the invention, an article of footwear can include an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber may be integrally formed with the sole. The impact absorber may have a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber may decrease in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper may be configured to roll to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. In addition, the sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.
• For certain articles of footwear, a first impact absorber or first impact absorber portion may be attached along a medial side of the upper and a second impact absorber or second impact absorber portion may be attached along a lateral side of the upper. In such cases, the first impact absorber may differ in size and shape from the second impact absorber.
• In another aspect of the invention, an article of footwear includes a sole having a top surface and configured to support feet having varying widths, and an upper made of a flexible material capable of conforming to feet of varying widths, the upper attached to the top surface of the sole in a manner allowing a free area of the upper to be positioned in varying angles from the top surface of the sole. The article of footwear may also include an impact absorber attached to the free area of the upper. The free area may be at least in a midfoot region of the upper. The free area may have a width and a length, the width of the free area varying along its length. The width of the free area may decrease at its ends. The upper may be configured to roll to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The upper and the sole may be attached asymmetrically.
• In certain cases, the upper may also includes a first free area on a lateral side and a second free area on a medial side. The size and shape of the first free area may differ from the size and shape of the second free area.
• In another aspect of the invention, the article of footwear includes a sole having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the periphery of each of the top and bottom portion being separate from the other of the top and bottom portion in at least a midfoot region, an upper having an outer surface, and wherein the top portion of the sole is attached to the outer surface of the upper, thereby allowing rotational freedom between the two portions of the sole in the peripheral location where the top and bottom portions are separated. The peripheries of the top and bottom portions of the sole may be continuous in at least part of a heel region and a forefoot region. The upper and top portion of the sole may be configured to roll to contact the bottom portion of the sole upon lateral impact. The separation of the top and bottom portions of the sole may define a recess and the width of the recess may vary along its length. The width of the recess may decrease at its ends.
• In certain cases, the top and bottom portions of the sole are separate from one another on both a lateral side and a medial side of the sole. The separation of the top and bottom portions of the sole on each of the lateral side and the medial side may define a recess and the width of each recess may vary along its respective length. The medial and lateral recesses may differ from one another in size and shape.
• In a further aspect of the invention, an article of footwear includes an upper coupled to a sole, the upper being coupled to the sole along a periphery of the sole in both a forefoot region and a heel region and at a position spaced from the periphery of the sole in a midfoot region. The upper may be coupled to the sole in a midfoot region in a position at least 10% of the width of the sole away from the periphery of the sole. The upper and sole may be coupled asymmetrically. An impact absorber may be attached to the upper.
• In some cases, the upper may be coupled to the sole at a position spaced from the periphery of the sole in a midfoot region on each of a lateral and medial side of the sole. The upper may be coupled to the sole in a midfoot region in a position at least 10% of the width of the sole away from the periphery of the sole on each of the lateral and medial sides of the sole. The upper and sole may be coupled asymmetrically. A first impact absorber may be attached to the medial side of the upper and a second impact absorber may be attached to the lateral side of the upper.
• The advantages and features of novelty characterizing various aspects of the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features of novelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptive matter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate various embodiments and concepts related to the aspects of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a lateral side elevational view of an article of footwear according to the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an article of footwear according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a prior art article of footwear.
• FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a prior art article of footwear positioned on a slope.
• FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line5-5 ofFIG. 8 showing the article of footwear in use with a narrow foot.
• FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line5-5 ofFIG. 8 showing the article of footwear in use with a wide foot.
• FIG. 7 is a top view of the sole of an article of footwear according to the invention showing the positioning of the upper relative to the sole.
• FIG. 8 is a lateral side elevational view of a first embodiment of an article of footwear.
• FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear.
• FIG. 11 is a medial side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a lateral force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 12 is a lateral side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a lateral force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line13-13 ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 14 is a medial side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a medial force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 15 is a lateral side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a medial force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line16-16 ofFIG. 14.
• FIG. 17 is a lateral side elevational view of a second embodiment of an article of footwear.
• FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment of the article of footwear.
• FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the article of footwear.
• FIG. 20 is a top view of the lower portion of a sole of an article of footwear according to the invention showing the positioning of the top portion of the sole relative to the lower portion of the sole.
• FIG. 21 is a medial side elevational view of the second embodiment of the article of footwear when a lateral force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 22 is a lateral side elevational view of the second embodiment of the article of footwear when a lateral force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line23-23 ofFIG. 21.
• FIG. 24 is a medial side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a medial force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 25 is a lateral side elevational view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear when a medial force is applied to the article of footwear.
• FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the article of footwear taken along line26-26 ofFIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article of footwear. Concepts related to the article of footwear are disclosed with reference to footwear having a configuration that is suitable for the sport of running. The sole structure is not limited solely to footwear designed for running, however, and may be utilized with a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including basketball shoes, tennis shoes, football shoes, cross-training shoes, walking shoes, soccer shoes, and hiking boots, for example. The sole structure may also be utilized with footwear styles that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and boots. An individual skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, therefore, that the concepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear styles, in addition to the specific style discussed in the following material and depicted in the accompanying figures.
• An article offootwear10 is depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 as including an upper20 and a sole orsole structure30. For reference purposes,footwear10 may be divided into three general regions: aforefoot region11, amidfoot region12, and aheel region13.Footwear10 also includes alateral side14 and an oppositemedial side15.Forefoot region11 generally includes portions offootwear10 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.Midfoot region12 generally includes portions offootwear10 corresponding with the arch area of the foot, andheel region13 corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.Lateral side14 andmedial side15 extend through each of regions11-13 and correspond with opposite sides offootwear10. Regions11-13 and sides14-15 are not intended to demarcate precise areas offootwear10. Rather, regions11-13 and sides14-15 are intended to represent general areas offootwear10 to aid in the following discussion. In addition tofootwear10, regions11-13 and sides14-15 may also be applied to upper20,sole structure30, and individual elements thereof. These elements offootwear10 are common to all articles of footwear and are also present in the invention described herein.
• Turning first toFIGS. 5-7, a first aspect of the invention is apparent. The upper20 of the article offootwear10 is attached or coupled to the sole30 asymmetrically.FIG. 7 shows thetop surface32 of the sole30 of the article offootwear10.Axis31 shows an approximate axis along the center of thetop surface32 of the sole30. A first dashed line is one embodiment of amedial attachment boundary34 that represents the position on thetop surface32 of the sole30 where the upper20 is joined to the sole30 on themedial side15 of the article offootwear10. Thismedial attachment boundary34 is located or spaced inward from the periphery orperipheral edge36 of the sole30. Themedial attachment boundary34 need not be a consistent distance from theperiphery36 of the sole30. Instead, as shown inFIG. 7, themedial attachment boundary34 approaches and then contacts theperiphery36 as themedial attachment boundary34 nears theforefoot region11 andheel region13. Themedial attachment boundary34 is most clearly spaced from theperiphery36 in themidfoot region12.
• Similarly, a second dashed line is one embodiment of alateral attachment boundary38 that represents the position on thetop surface32 of the sole30 where the upper20 is joined to the sole30 on thelateral side14 of the shoe. Thislateral attachment boundary38 is located or spaced inward from the periphery orperipheral edge36 of the sole30. Thelateral attachment boundary38 need not be a consistent distance from theperiphery36 of the sole30. Instead, as shown inFIG. 7, thelateral attachment boundary38 approaches and then contacts theperiphery36 as thelateral attachment boundary38 nears theforefoot region11 andheel region13. Thelateral attachment boundary38 is most clearly spaced from theperiphery36 in themidfoot region12.
• The upper20 is attached or coupled to the sole30 along themedial attachment boundary38 on themedial side15 of the sole10, spaced from theperiphery36 of the sole30 at least in amidfoot region12. The upper20 is attached or coupled to the sole30 along thelateral attachment boundary38 on thelateral side14 of the sole10, spaced from theperiphery36 of the sole30 in at least amidfoot region12. In thetoe region11 and theheel region13, the upper20 is attached or coupled to the sole30 in an area that is along theperiphery36 of the sole30. While the upper20 may be attached to the sole30 a small distance from theperiphery36 of the sole30 in thetoe region11 andheel region13, the upper is attached or coupled about at theperiphery36 and along theperiphery36.
• The configuration shown inFIG. 7 is one possible configuration of the positioning and attachment and coupling of the upper20 relative to the sole30. In this configuration, the sole30 has awidth33 at any specific point along thelength39 of the sole30. The width ordistance35 represents the distance themedial attachment boundary34 is positioned from theperiphery36 in a particular location along thelength21 of the sole30 where themedial attachment boundary34 is spaced from theperiphery36. The width ordistance37 represents the distance thelateral attachment boundary38 is positioned from theperiphery36 in a particular location along thelength23 of the sole30 where thelateral attachment boundary38 is spaced from theperiphery36. It is desirable that for any embodiment of thefootwear10, that at least one of thewidth35 and thewidth37 be at least 10% of thewidth33 of the sole30 at some point along itsrespective length21,23. Theattachment boundaries34,38 may be positioned on the sole30 so that the upper20 and sole30 are coupled either symmetrically or asymmetrically aboutaxis31. As an upper limit, it is of course possible thatwidth37 andwidth35 could be great enough that theattachment boundaries34,38 would be in substantially the same location on the sole30. In such an instance,width35 andwidth37 might each have a value of about 50% the value ofwidth33. Alternatively, if desired,width37 might have a value of about 60% ofwidth33 andwidth35 might have a value of about 40% ofwidth33. Of course, the position of eachattachment boundary34,38 may be tuned for a particular desired footwear application, and the values ofwidth37 andwidth35 can vary widely, except that of course, the values ofwidth37 andwidth35 added together can never exceed the value ofwidth33 at any given point along thelength39 of the sole30. Finally, in some cases, it is possible that the value ofwidth35 orwidth37 in a particular case would be close to zero and that the upper20 would be attached on one of themedial side15 orlateral side14 at an area along theperiphery36 of the sole30. It is also to be noted that the value of bothwidth35 and ofwidth37 vary along thelength39 of the sole30 and theirrespective lengths21,23. Thewidth35 and thewidth37 taper to a zero value in the areas of theforefoot region11 and theheel region13. As shown inFIG. 7, based on the contours of the sole30 and theattachment boundaries34,38, the value ofwidth35 andwidth37 may, but need not, gradually increase to a single high value.
• The area on thetop surface32 of the sole30 on thelateral side14 between thelateral attachment boundary38 and theperipheral edge36 of the sole30 can be described as the openlateral portion50. The area on thetop surface32 of the sole30 on themedial side15 between themedial attachment boundary34 and theperipheral edge36 of the sole30 can be described as the openmedial portion51. Either one of theseportions50,51 can be described as an open portion of the sole.
• One implication of this configuration of upper20 being attached or coupled to the sole30 along theattachment boundaries34,38 is that the same sole and upper configuration can be used to accommodate feet having varying widths. Referring again toFIGS. 5 and 6, it is shown how thefootwear10 would appear in cross section when used with feet of varying widths.FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross sections of a shoe with a foot inside taken along line5-5 ofFIG. 8.FIG. 5 shows how thefootwear10 will appear in cross-section with a foot having anarrow width41. The upper20 is flexible and tightens to conform to the shape of a user's foot. Thelaces40 are drawn tightly which leaves the lace edges42,44 of the medial15 and lateral14 sides, respectively, relatively close to one another.FIG. 6 shows how thefootwear10 will appear in cross section with a foot having awide width43. The upper20 tightens to conform to the shape of the user's foot. When the laces are drawn tightly in this case, the lace edges42,44 of the medial15 and lateral14 sides, respectively, remain further apart to accommodate the wider width foot. Attention is also directed to the areas marked46 and48 on the drawings. When a wider width foot is in the shoe, the amount of upper20 positioned beneath the foot is increased. This changes how the upper20 appears with respect to the sole30 to an observer.
• Referring now toFIGS. 8-10, an article offootwear10 according to the present invention is shown. As noted earlier, the article offootwear10 includes an upper20 and a sole30 coupled or attached to one another.FIGS. 8 and 10 show thelateral side14 of thefootwear10. Visible on thelateral side14 of thefootwear10 is an openlateral portion50 of thetop surface32 of sole30. Adjacent the openlateral portion50 is alateral impact absorber52 attached to thelateral side15 of the upper20. Thelateral impact absorber52 is attached to the upper20 at least along themidfoot region12 of thefootwear10. Thelateral impact absorber52 has awidth54 that varies along itslength56. For example, thelateral impact absorber52 includesvarious indents58 that may be included for cosmetic or functional reasons. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 10, theindents58 correspond in position to various design features of the shoe upper20. Desirably, thewidth54 of thelateral impact absorber52 tapers or decreases to zero in theforefoot region11 and theheel region13 of thefootwear10.
• Thelateral impact absorber52 may be made of any of a variety of materials. Consideration of an appropriate material for thelateral impact absorber52 may take into account a variety of factors. First, the material chosen should be sufficiently flexible to allow the upper20 to be pulled taut without hindrance from theimpact absorber52. The material chosen should also be capable of absorbing impact when compressed. Finally, the material chosen must be capable of being secured or attached to a corresponding upper material. It is preferred that theimpact absorber52 be attached via an adhesive to the upper20. However, it could alternatively be attached via a mechanical attachment structure, such as sewing. Finally, the material chosen should be selected for its aesthetic properties since it will be positioned visibly on the outside of the footwear and its shape will be a design element of the footwear. The material and its size and shape can be tuned to the desired impact absorbing properties of the footwear.
• On themedial side15 of thefootwear10 is positioned amedial impact absorber60 attached to the upper20. Themedial impact absorber60 will be shown in more detail in other Figures. Themedial impact absorber60 has the same qualities and features as thelateral impact absorber52. However, themedial impact absorber60 may have a somewhat different size and shape from thelateral impact absorber52 due, at least in part, to the different countours of the upper20 and sole30 as are common in footwear generally and specifically infootwear10. For example, the curvature of themedial side15 of thefootwear10 tends to be concave and thelateral side14 tends to be convex, as is best seen inFIG. 7. However, the relative size and shape of theimpact absorbers52,60 may differ for other reasons, such as the amount of impact the impact absorbers are designed to absorb, the position of theattachment boundaries34,38, aesthetic reasons, or for any other reason that a designer might consider in designing an article of footwear.
• The features described above work together when a user is wearing thefootwear10 to deal with lateral and medial forces differently than prior art footwear. Looking first toFIGS. 11-13, thefootwear10 is shown when a lateral force, i.e., a force toward thelateral side14 of thefootwear10, is applied. Such a force might be applied when a user makes a quick turn or is running around a curve. Referring first toFIG. 13, the motion of the footwear is apparent. In such an instance, the upper20 is permitted to rotate or roll slightly towards thelateral side14. When the upper20 rolls towards thelateral side14, thelateral impact absorber52 comes into contact with thetop surface32 of the sole30, in theopen lateral area50 of the sole30. The lateral force or impact applied to the shoe is thereby absorbed in three ways. First, the upper20 is permitted to roll. Next, thelateral impact absorber52 becomes compressed. Finally, elements in the sole30 compress. These three features combine to absorb a great degree of the impact and reduce the impact that the user's body must absorb.
• Viewing thefootwear10 from each of the lateral14 and medial15 sides is also illustrative of the movement of thefootwear10 when a force is applied.FIG. 11 shows themedial side15 of thefootwear10 andFIG. 12 shows thelateral side14 of thefootwear10. When a lateral force is applied toward thelateral side14, the upper20 is allowed to roll or pivot. Thelateral impact absorber52 is compressed under the user's foot against theopen lateral area50 on thetop surface32 of the sole30. An observer looking at thefootwear10 from thislateral side14 as inFIG. 12 will observe that the visible area of thelateral impact absorber52 and the visible portion of thetop surface32 of the sole30 are reduced relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of the footwear as shown inFIG. 8.
• Similarly, referring toFIG. 11, when the lateral force is applied toward thelateral side14, the upper20 is allowed to roll or pivot. Themedial impact absorber60 is released from under the user's foot and away from the openmedial area51 on thetop surface32 of the sole30. An observer looking at thefootwear10 from thismedial side15 as inFIG. 12 will observe that the visible area of themedial impact absorber60 and the visible portion of thetop surface32 of the sole30 are increased relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of thefootwear10.
• A similar result is seen when a medial force is applied to thefootwear10. Looking now toFIGS. 14-16, thefootwear10 is shown when a medial force, i.e., a force toward themedial side15 of thefootwear10, is applied. Such a force might be applied when a user makes a quick turn or is running around a curve. Referring first toFIG. 16, the motion of thefootwear10 is apparent. In such an instance, the upper20 is permitted to rotate or roll slightly towards themedial side14. When the upper20 rolls towards themedial side14, themedial impact absorber60 comes into contact with thetop surface32 of the sole30, in the openmedial area51 of the sole30. The medial force or impact applied to the shoe is thereby absorbed in three ways. First, the upper20 is permitted to roll. Next, themedial impact absorber60 becomes compressed. Finally, elements in the sole30 compress. These three features combine to absorb a great degree of the impact and reduce the impact that the user's body must absorb.
• Viewing thefootwear10 from each of the lateral14 and medial15 sides is also illustrative of the movement of thefootwear10 when a force is applied.FIG. 14 shows themedial side15 of thefootwear10 andFIG. 15 shows thelateral side14 of thefootwear10. When a medial force is applied toward themedial side15, the upper20 is allowed to roll or pivot. Themedial impact absorber60 is compressed under the user's foot against the openmedial area51 on thetop surface32 of the sole30. An observer looking at thefootwear10 from thismedial side15 as inFIG. 14 will observe that the visible area of themedial impact absorber60 and the visible portion of thetop surface32 of the sole30 are reduced relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of the footwear.
• Similarly, referring toFIG. 15, when the medial force is applied toward themedial side15, the upper20 is allowed to roll or pivot. Thelateral impact absorber52 is released from under the user's foot and away from theopen lateral area50 on thetop surface32 of the sole30. An observer looking at thefootwear10 from thislateral side14 as inFIG. 15 will observe that the visible area of thelateral impact absorber52 and the visible portion of thetop surface32 of the sole30 are increased relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of thefootwear10 as seen inFIG. 8.
• A review ofFIGS. 5-16 and particularly the cross sectional views inFIGS. 5,6,13, and16 and the rear elevational view ofFIG. 9 reveals another feature. Referring to the upper20, on each of the medial side and the lateral side, there exists afree area64,62, respectively, that in a standard article of footwear would be likely attached to the sole. Because the upper20 is attached to the sole30 along lateral andmedial attachment boundaries38,34, thefree areas64,62 of the upper are able to be positioned in varying angles from thetop surface32 of the sole30. Thefree areas64,62 are located at least in themidfoot region12 of thefootwear10. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5-16, theimpact absorbers60,52 are attached to the respectivefree areas64,62 of the upper20. The lateralfree area62 may differ in size and shape than the medialfree area64 for various reasons, including the standard curvature of the footwear in themidfoot region12 and the assymetrical attachment of the upper32 to the sole30. Also for these reasons, thewidths66,68 of thefree areas62,64 vary along their length and taper or decrease to zero at their longitudinal ends in the forefoot and heel regions.
• A second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 17-26.FIGS. 17-19 show an overview of the structure. Thefootwear110 is identical in many respects to thefootwear10 described earlier, including the placement of forefoot, midfoot, andheel regions11,12,13 and lateral andmedial sides14,15. Thefootwear110 also includes an upper120 that is substantially the same as that described in relation to the earlier embodiment. Numerals from the first embodiment are used identically in this embodiment to describe the same features.
• Turning first toFIGS. 17-19, a second embodiment of thefootwear110 is shown. The footwear includes an upper120 and a sole130 coupled or attached to one another.FIGS. 17 and 19 show thelateral side14 of thefootwear110. As particularly seen in these Figs., the sole130 defines a lateral recess or undercut121 at least in amidfoot region12 of thefootwear110. In the area where there is alateral recess121, the sole130 is split into atop portion122 and alower portion123 that are separated from each other by thelateral recess121, particularly along aperiphery36 of the sole130. In this embodiment, the use of the lateral andmedial recesses121,124 allows rotational freedom between thetop portion122 andlower portion123 of the sole130 in theperipheral areas36 in themidfoot region12 where the top andlower portions122,123 are separated.
• FIG. 20 shows how therecesses121,124 can be configured relative to the sole.
• FIG. 20 is a view showing thelower portion123 of the sole130.Axis131 shows an approximate axis along the center of thelower portion123 of the sole130. A first dashedline138 is one embodiment of the lateral inner limit of thelateral recess121. This lateralinner limit138 is located or spaced inward from the periphery orperipheral edge36 of the sole130. The lateralinner limit138 need not be a consistent distance from theperiphery36 of the sole130. Instead, as shown inFIG. 20, the lateralinner limit138 approaches and then contacts theperiphery36 as the lateralinner limit138 nears theforefoot region11 andheel region13. The lateralinner limit138 is most clearly spaced from theperiphery36 in themidfoot region12.
• Similarly, a second dashed line is one embodiment of a medialinner limit134 that represents the inner limit of themedial recess124. This medialinner limit134 is located or spaced inward from the periphery orperipheral edge36 of the sole130. The medialinner limit134 need not be a consistent distance from theperiphery36 of the sole130. Instead, as shown inFIG. 20, the medialinner limit134 approaches and then contacts theperiphery36 as the medialinner limit134 nears theforefoot region11 andheel region13. The medialinner limit134 is most clearly spaced from theperiphery36 in themidfoot region12.
• The sole130 can be formed in a number of ways to create this structure. The sole130 can be molded in one piece so that thetop portion122 and thelower portion123 are integrally formed. If the sole130 is formed in this manner, the mold can contain inserts to form therecesses121,124 in the sole at the time of molding. Alternatively, therecesses121,124 can be machined into the sole130 after molding. Thetop portion122 andlower portion123 can alternatively be formed separately from one another and then bonded together. Such a configuration would be desirable when, for example, it is desired to use different materials for thetop portion122 andlower portion123. If thetop portion122 andlower portion123 are formed separately, the medial and lateral sides of thetop portion122 can also be formed separately from one another and separately secured to thelower portion123. The method and structure for securing the parts together can be selected by a person having ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation, and will be based on the materials selected for the portions of the sole130 and the desired strength of the final product. Regardless of the method of making the sole130, if both thetop portion122 and thelower portion123 extend into theforefoot area11 andheel area13, theperipheral edges36 of the two should be continuous.
• Thetop portion122 of the sole130 is attached or coupled to the upper120. Because thetop portion122 of the sole130 is separate from thelower portion123 of the sole130 in at least amidfoot region12, thetop portion122 and upper120 are effectively attached to thelower portion123 of the sole130 only in an area spaced from theperiphery36 of thelower portion123 of the sole130, as is best shown inFIG. 20. In thetoe region11 and theheel region13, the upper120 is attached or coupled to the sole130 in an area that is along theperiphery36 of the sole130. While the upper120 may be spaced a small distance from theperiphery36 of the sole130 in thetoe region11 andheel region13, the upper is attached or coupled about at theperiphery36 and along theperiphery36.
• The configuration shown inFIG. 20 is one possible configuration of the positioning and attachment and coupling of the upper120 andtop portion122 of the sole130 relative to thelower portion123 of the sole30. In this configuration, thelower portion123 of the sole130 has awidth133. The width ordistance135 represents the distance the medialinner limit134 is positioned from theperiphery36 in a particular location along thelength125 of themedial recess124. The width ordistance137 represents the distance the lateralinner limit138 is positioned from theperiphery36 in a particular location along thelength127 of thelateral recess121. It is desirable that for any embodiment of thefootwear10, that at least one of thewidth135 and thewidth137 be at least 10% of thewidth133 of thelower portion123 of the sole130. Theinner limits134,138 may be positioned on the sole130 so that the upper120 and thelower portion123 of the sole130 are effectively coupled either symmetrically or asymmetrically aboutaxis131. As an upper limit, it is of course possible thatwidth137 andwidth135 could be great enough that theinner limits134,138 would be in substantially the same location on the sole130. In such an instance,width135 andwidth137 might each have a value of about 50% the value ofwidth133. Alternatively, if desired,width137 might have a value of about 60% ofwidth133 andwidth135 might have a value of about 40% ofwidth133. Of course, the position of eachinner limit134,138 may be tuned for a particular desired footwear application, and the values ofwidth137 andwidth135 can vary widely, except that of course, the values ofwidth137 andwidth135 added together can never exceed the value ofwidth133 at any given point along thelength139 of the sole130. Finally, in some cases, it is possible that the value ofwidth135 orwidth137 in a particular case would be close to zero and that thetop portion122 and thelower portion123 of the sole130 would be attached at one of themedial side15 orlateral side14 at an area along theperiphery36 of the sole130 and theirrespective lengths125,127. It is also to be noted that the value of bothwidth135 and ofwidth137 vary along thelength139 of the sole130. Thewidth135 and thewidth137 taper to a zero value in the areas of theforefoot region11 and theheel region13. As shown inFIG. 20, based on the contours of the sole130 and theinner limits134,138, the value ofwidth135 andwidth137 may, but need not, gradually increase to a single high value.
• In the present configuration, thetop portion122 of the sole130 acts as an impact absorber in the area where it is secured or coupled to the upper120. Thelateral impact absorber152 has awidth154 that varies along itslength156. For example, thelateral impact absorber152 includesvarious indents158 that may be included for cosmetic or functional reasons. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 17 and 19, theindents158 correspond in position to various design features of the shoe upper120. Desirably, thewidth154 of thelateral impact absorber152 tapers or decreases to zero in theforefoot region11 and theheel region13 of thefootwear110.
• The impact absorbers152,160 may be made of any of a variety of materials. Consideration of an appropriate material for theimpact absorbers152,160 may take into account a variety of factors in addition to those discussed above in considering the manufacture of the sole130 generally. First, the material chosen should be sufficiently flexible to allow the upper120 to be pulled taut without hindrance from theimpact absorbers152,160. The material chosen should also be capable of absorbing impact when compressed. Finally, the material chosen must be capable of being secured or attached to a corresponding upper material. It is preferred that theimpact absorber152 be attached via an adhesive to the upper120. However, it could alternatively be attached via a mechanical attachment structure, such as sewing. Finally, the material chosen should be selected for its aesthetic properties since it will be positioned visibly on the outside of the footwear and its shape will be a design element of the footwear. The material and its size and shape can be tuned to the desired impact absorbing properties of the footwear.
• On themedial side15 of thefootwear110 is positioned amedial impact absorber160 attached to the upper120. Themedial impact absorber160 will be shown in more detail in other Figures. Themedial impact absorber160 has the same qualities and features as thelateral impact absorber152. However, themedial impact absorber160 may have a somewhat different size and shape from thelateral impact absorber152 due, at least in part, to the different contours of the upper120 and sole130 as are common in footwear generally and specifically infootwear110. For example, the curvature of themedial side15 of thefootwear110 tends to be concave and thelateral side14 tends to be convex, as is best seen inFIG. 20. However, the relative size and shape of theimpact absorbers152,160 may differ for other reasons, such as the amount of impact the impact absorbers are designed to absorb, the position of theinner limits134,138, aesthetic reasons, or for any other reason that a designer might consider in designing an article of footwear.
• The features described above work together when a user is wearing thefootwear110 to deal with lateral and medial forces differently than prior art footwear. Looking first toFIGS. 21-23, thefootwear110 is shown when a lateral force, i.e., a force toward thelateral side14 of thefootwear110, is applied. Such a force might be applied when a user makes a quick turn or is running around a curve. Referring first toFIG. 23, the motion of the footwear is apparent. In such an instance, the upper120 is permitted to rotate or roll slightly towards thelateral side14. When the upper120 rolls towards thelateral side14, thelateral impact absorber152 comes into contact with thetop surface132 of thelower portion123 of the sole130. The lateral force or impact applied to the shoe is thereby absorbed in three ways. First, the upper120 is permitted to roll. Next, thelateral impact absorber152 becomes compressed. Finally, elements in the sole130 compress. These three features combine to absorb a great degree of the impact and reduce the impact that the user's body must absorb.
• Viewing thefootwear110 from each of the lateral14 and medial15 sides is also illustrative of the movement of thefootwear110 when a force is applied.FIG. 21 shows themedial side15 of thefootwear110 andFIG. 22 shows thelateral side14 of thefootwear110. When a lateral force is applied toward thelateral side14, the upper120 is allowed to roll or pivot. Thelateral impact absorber152 is compressed under the user's foot againstlower portion123 of the sole130. An observer looking at thefootwear10 from thislateral side14 as inFIG. 22 will observe that the visible area of thelateral impact absorber52 and the visible portion of thelateral recess121 of the sole30 are reduced relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of the footwear as shown inFIG. 17.
• Similarly, referring toFIG. 21, when the lateral force is applied toward thelateral side14, the upper120 is allowed to roll or pivot. Themedial impact absorber160 is released from under the user's foot and away from thelower portion123 of the sole30. An observer looking at thefootwear110 from thismedial side15 as inFIG. 21 will observe that the visible area of themedial impact absorber160 and the visible portion of themedial recess124 are increased relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of thefootwear110.
• A similar result is seen when a medial force is applied to thefootwear110. Looking now toFIGS. 24-26, thefootwear10 is shown when a medial force, i.e., a force toward themedial side15 of thefootwear10, is applied. Such a force might be applied when a user makes a quick turn or is running around a curve. Referring first toFIG. 26, the motion of the footwear is apparent. In such an instance, the upper120 is permitted to rotate or roll slightly towards themedial side15. When the upper120 rolls towards themedial side15, themedial impact absorber160 comes into contact with thetop surface132 of thelower portion123 of sole130. The medial force or impact applied to the shoe is thereby absorbed in three ways. First, the upper120 is permitted to roll. Next, themedial impact absorber160 becomes compressed. Finally, elements in the sole130 compress. These three features combine to absorb a great degree of the impact and reduce the impact that the user's body must absorb.
• Viewing thefootwear110 from each of the lateral14 and medial15 sides is also illustrative of the movement of thefootwear110 when a force is applied.FIG. 24 shows themedial side15 of thefootwear110 andFIG. 25 shows thelateral side14 of thefootwear110. When a medial force is applied toward themedial side15, the upper120 is allowed to roll or pivot. Themedial impact absorber160 is compressed under the user's foot against thelower portion123 of the sole130. An observer looking at thefootwear110 from thismedial side15 as inFIG. 24 will observe that the visible area of themedial impact absorber160 and the visible portion of themedial recess124 are reduced relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of the footwear.
• Similarly, referring toFIG. 24, when the medial force is applied toward themedial side15, the upper120 is allowed to roll or pivot. Thelateral impact absorber152 is released from under the user's foot and away from thelower portion123 of the sole130. An observer looking at thefootwear110 from thislateral side14 as inFIG. 24 will observe that the visible area of thelateral impact absorber152 and the visible portion oflateral recess121 are increased relative to the visible portions of those elements in the rest position of thefootwear110 as seen inFIG. 17.
• The embodiments detailed above include medial and lateral impact absorbers attached on the outside of an upper. It is to be appreciated that for aesthetic reasons, reasons of manufacturability, or other reasons deemed important by a designer, the impact absorbers could be attached to the inner surface of the upper adjacent the foot or could be incorporated between various layers of material in the upper. In such an instance, while the impact absorbers would not be visible, they would still be impact absorbers attached to the upper as discussed herein. In still a further embodiment, the impact absorbers can be minimized or eliminated if desirable for a given application.
• The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (33)

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper;

a sole attached to the upper; and

an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole.

2. The article of footwear according toclaim 1, wherein the impact absorber is integrally formed with the sole.

3. The article of footwear according toclaim 1, wherein the impact absorber has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber.

4. The article of footwear according toclaim 3, wherein the width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region.

5. The article of footwear according toclaim 1, wherein a first impact absorber is attached along a medial side of the upper and a second impact absorber is attached along a lateral side of the upper.

6. The article of footwear according toclaim 5, wherein the first impact absorber differs in size and shape from the second impact absorber.

7. The article of footwear according toclaim 1, wherein the upper is configured to roll to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact.

8. The article of footwear according toclaim 1, wherein the sole and the upper are attached asymmetrically.

9. An article of footwear, comprising:

a sole having a top surface and configured to support a feet having varying widths, and

an upper made of a flexible material capable of conforming to the feet of varying widths, the upper attached to the top surface of the sole in a manner allowing a free area of the upper to be positioned in varying angles from the top surface of the sole.

10. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, further comprising an impact absorber attached to the free area of the upper.

11. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, wherein the upper includes a first free area on a lateral side and a second free area on a medial side.

12. The article of footwear according toclaim 11, wherein the size and shape of the first free area differs from the size and shape of the second free area.

13. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, wherein the free area is at least in a midfoot region of the upper.

14. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, wherein the free area has a width and a length, the width of the free area varying along its length.

15. The article of footwear according toclaim 10, wherein the width of the free area decreases at its longitudinal ends.

16. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, wherein the upper is configured to roll to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact.

17. The article of footwear according toclaim 9, wherein the upper and the sole are attached asymmetrically.

18. An article of footwear, comprising:

a sole having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the periphery of each of the top and bottom portion being separate from the other of the top and bottom portion in at least a midfoot region;

an upper; and wherein

the top portion of the sole is attached to the upper, thereby allowing rotational freedom between the two portions of the sole in the peripheral location where the top and bottom portions are separated.

19. The article of footwear according toclaim 18, wherein peripheries of the top and bottom portions of the sole are continuous in at least part of a heel region and a forefoot region.

20. The article of footwear according toclaim 18, wherein the top and bottom portions of the sole are separate from one another on both a lateral side and a medial side of the sole.

21. The article of footwear according toclaim 18, wherein the upper and top portion of the sole are configured to roll to contact the bottom portion of the sole upon lateral impact.

22. The article of footwear according toclaim 18, wherein the separation of the top and bottom portions of the sole defines a recess and wherein the width of the recess varies along its length.

23. The article of footwear according toclaim 22, wherein the width of the recess decreases at its ends.

24. The article of footwear according toclaim 20, wherein the separation of the top and bottom portions of the sole on each of the lateral side and the medial side defines a recess and wherein the width of the recess varies along its length.

25. The article of footwear according toclaim 24, wherein the medial and lateral recesses differ from one another in size and shape.

26. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper coupled to a sole, the upper being coupled to the sole along a periphery of the sole in both a forefoot region and a heel region and at a position spaced from the periphery of the sole in a midfoot region.

27. The article of footwear according toclaim 26, wherein the upper is coupled to the sole in a midfoot region in a position at least 10% of the width of the sole away from the periphery of the sole.

28. The article of footwear according toclaim 27, wherein the upper is coupled to the sole at a position spaced from the periphery of the sole in a midfoot region on each of a lateral and medial side of the sole.

29. The article of footwear according toclaim 28, wherein the upper is coupled to the sole in a midfoot region in a position at least 10% of the width of the sole away from the periphery of the sole on each of the lateral and medial sides of the sole.

30. The article of footwear according toclaim 26, wherein the upper and sole are coupled asymmetrically.

31. The article of footwear according toclaim 28, wherein the upper and sole are coupled asymmetrically.

32. The article of footwear according toclaim 26, further comprising an impact absorber attached to the upper.

33. The article of footwear according toclaim 28, further comprising a first impact absorber attached to the medial side of the upper and a second impact absorber attached to the lateral side of the upper.

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